Research Specialist Jobs in Washington
Research Specialist jobs in Washington are in strong demand, concentrated in biomedical research, public health, higher education, and technology policy, with openings at every level from research assistant through senior specialist. Seattle, Spokane, and Bellevue are the primary hiring hubs, anchored by institutions and employers such as the University of Washington, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, and Microsoft. The most sought-after specialties in Washington are clinical research, data-intensive social science research, and environmental and public health research. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Research Specialist JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 11+ Research Specialist jobs
Online applications must be received before 11:59pm on:
August 31, 2026If a date is not listed above, review the Applicant Instructions below for more details.
Available Title(s):
1138-YN_ADMINPRO - CoordinatorBusiness Title:
Human Subjects Research Compliance SpecialistEmployee Type:
Admin. ProfessionalPosition Details:
The Opportunity:
As a Human Subjects Research Compliance Specialist, you will support the mission of the Office of Research. This position serves as lead for Institutional Review Board ( IRB) compliance assurance. Responsibilities include monitoring and auditing all research projects within the program to ensure compliance with all state and federal laws and University policies related to human subjects. Identify compliance issues, recommend corrective action, and report to proper authority. Consult with Principal Investigators and other faculty and staff to bring their research into conformance with review protocols and standards.
Within this position, you will ensure that all study participants are notified of study specific details prior to their agreement to participate and provide informed consent before participation begins. Ensure participants are fully informed regarding what data is being collected and maintained, and they are aware of data security measures in place to protect data.
In addition, you will ensure that all projects and studies involving human subjects are reviewed, approved, and that all documents required by federal, state, and University laws, regulations, and policies are attained.
45% Compliance Officer
25% Coordination
25% Project Start-up
5% Other duties as assigned
Additional Information:
This is a full time (100 % FTE), permanent position. This position is overtime eligible.
Monthly Salary:
$4,508.70 - $6,763.06 | Commensurate with experience and qualifications
In accordance with RCW 49.58.110 , the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate’s current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position.
Benefits:
WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation, optional supplemental retirement accounts; training and development; and employee tuition waiver. For additional information, please review the detailed Summary of Benefits offered by WSU for AP staff and Total Compensation .
Required Qualifications:
A Bachelor’s degree in a field relevant to area of specialization and three (3) years of experience directly related to the specialty area. Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis.
Experience interpreting and applying federal and/or university regulations as applied to human subjects in research experiments.
Three (3) years of experience working in a research environment that included human subjects in the protocol.
Experience assessing study sites and conducting site reviews.
Must have, or be able to obtain by time of hire, a valid driver’s license and meet requirements in accordance with SPPM 7.10 and departmental driving standards.
Preferred Qualifications:
Master’s degree in a relevant field of study.
Experience participating in or coordinating Institutional Review Boards.
Experience working at a research university which has included experience with federal regulatory compliance requirements.
Position Sponsorship Eligibility:
Not eligible for work visa sponsorship
About Department/College/Area/ Campus -
Office of Research / Research Assurances
Area/College:
Office of Research
Department Name:
Research Assurances
Location:
Pullman, WA
Application Instructions:
Applicants must upload the following required documents to their online application. Application materials should clearly communicate how the applicant meets all required qualifications and additional requirements.
1) Resume
2) Cover Letter
External candidates , upload all documents in the “Application Document” section of your application.
Current WSU Employees (internal candidates) , before starting your Workday application, please use these instructions to update your education and experience in your worker profile in Workday . Internal candidates, upload all documents in the “Resume/Cover Letter” section of your application.
Documents may be submitted as one file or separate files. Applicants are encouraged to upload as a PDF, if possible.
Reference contact information will be requested later in the recruitment process through Workday.
Background Check:
This position has been designated by the department to require a background check because it requires access to children or vulnerable adults as defined by RCW 74.34 , engages in law enforcement, requires security clearance, interacts with WSU students in a counseling or advising capacity, has access to personal identifying and/or financial information, unsupervised access to university buildings/property, or other business-related need. A background check will not be completed until an initial determination of qualification for employment has been made.
Time Type:
Full timePosition Term:
12 MonthWashington State University encourages all qualified candidates to apply, including members of the military and veterans, and persons with disabilities.
WSU employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
WSU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource Services: 509-335-4521 (v), Washington State TDD Relay Service: Voice Callers: 1-800-833-6384; TDD Callers: 1-800-833-6388, 509-335-1259(f), or hrs@wsu.edu .
Notice of Non-Discrimination
In matters of admission, employment, housing or services, or in the educational programs or activities it operates, WSU does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any member of its community against any individual on the basis of sex, race, color, national or ethnic origin, physical disability, mental disability, sensory disability, use of a trained service animal, age, religion, creed, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, honorably discharged veteran, member of the military, or immigration or citizenship status except as authorized by federal or state law, regulation, or government contract.
Inquiries about the application of federal and state laws and regulations (including inquiries regarding the application of Title IX, ADA/Section 504, and implementing regulations), as well as reports and complaints of discrimination and harassment, can be made verbally or in writing to WSU’s Compliance and Civil Rights, the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights, or both.
More information, resources, and contact information are available here: https://ccr.wsu.edu/notice-of-nondiscrimination/
Online applications must be received before 11:59pm on:
August 31, 2026If a date is not listed above, review the Applicant Instructions below for more details.
Available Title(s):
1138-YN_ADMINPRO - CoordinatorBusiness Title:
Human Subjects Research Compliance SpecialistEmployee Type:
Admin. ProfessionalPosition Details:
The Opportunity:
As a Human Subjects Research Compliance Specialist, you will support the mission of the Office of Research. This position serves as lead for Institutional Review Board ( IRB) compliance assurance. Responsibilities include monitoring and auditing all research projects within the program to ensure compliance with all state and federal laws and University policies related to human subjects. Identify compliance issues, recommend corrective action, and report to proper authority. Consult with Principal Investigators and other faculty and staff to bring their research into conformance with review protocols and standards.
Within this position, you will ensure that all study participants are notified of study specific details prior to their agreement to participate and provide informed consent before participation begins. Ensure participants are fully informed regarding what data is being collected and maintained, and they are aware of data security measures in place to protect data.
In addition, you will ensure that all projects and studies involving human subjects are reviewed, approved, and that all documents required by federal, state, and University laws, regulations, and policies are attained.
45% Compliance Officer
25% Coordination
25% Project Start-up
5% Other duties as assigned
Additional Information:
This is a full time (100 % FTE), permanent position. This position is overtime eligible.
Monthly Salary:
$4,508.70 - $6,763.06 | Commensurate with experience and qualifications
In accordance with RCW 49.58.110 , the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate’s current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position.
Benefits:
WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation, optional supplemental retirement accounts; training and development; and employee tuition waiver. For additional information, please review the detailed Summary of Benefits offered by WSU for AP staff and Total Compensation .
Required Qualifications:
A Bachelor’s degree in a field relevant to area of specialization and three (3) years of experience directly related to the specialty area. Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis.
Experience interpreting and applying federal and/or university regulations as applied to human subjects in research experiments.
Three (3) years of experience working in a research environment that included human subjects in the protocol.
Experience assessing study sites and conducting site reviews.
Must have, or be able to obtain by time of hire, a valid driver’s license and meet requirements in accordance with SPPM 7.10 and departmental driving standards.
Preferred Qualifications:
Master’s degree in a relevant field of study.
Experience participating in or coordinating Institutional Review Boards.
Experience working at a research university which has included experience with federal regulatory compliance requirements.
Position Sponsorship Eligibility:
Not eligible for work visa sponsorship
About Department/College/Area/ Campus -
Office of Research / Research Assurances
Area/College:
Office of Research
Department Name:
Research Assurances
Location:
Pullman, WA
Application Instructions:
Applicants must upload the following required documents to their online application. Application materials should clearly communicate how the applicant meets all required qualifications and additional requirements.
1) Resume
2) Cover Letter
External candidates , upload all documents in the “Application Document” section of your application.
Current WSU Employees (internal candidates) , before starting your Workday application, please use these instructions to update your education and experience in your worker profile in Workday . Internal candidates, upload all documents in the “Resume/Cover Letter” section of your application.
Documents may be submitted as one file or separate files. Applicants are encouraged to upload as a PDF, if possible.
Reference contact information will be requested later in the recruitment process through Workday.
Background Check:
This position has been designated by the department to require a background check because it requires access to children or vulnerable adults as defined by RCW 74.34 , engages in law enforcement, requires security clearance, interacts with WSU students in a counseling or advising capacity, has access to personal identifying and/or financial information, unsupervised access to university buildings/property, or other business-related need. A background check will not be completed until an initial determination of qualification for employment has been made.
Time Type:
Full timePosition Term:
12 MonthWashington State University encourages all qualified candidates to apply, including members of the military and veterans, and persons with disabilities.
WSU employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
WSU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource Services: 509-335-4521 (v), Washington State TDD Relay Service: Voice Callers: 1-800-833-6384; TDD Callers: 1-800-833-6388, 509-335-1259(f), or hrs@wsu.edu .
Notice of Non-Discrimination
In matters of admission, employment, housing or services, or in the educational programs or activities it operates, WSU does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any member of its community against any individual on the basis of sex, race, color, national or ethnic origin, physical disability, mental disability, sensory disability, use of a trained service animal, age, religion, creed, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, honorably discharged veteran, member of the military, or immigration or citizenship status except as authorized by federal or state law, regulation, or government contract.
Inquiries about the application of federal and state laws and regulations (including inquiries regarding the application of Title IX, ADA/Section 504, and implementing regulations), as well as reports and complaints of discrimination and harassment, can be made verbally or in writing to WSU’s Compliance and Civil Rights, the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights, or both.
More information, resources, and contact information are available here: https://ccr.wsu.edu/notice-of-nondiscrimination/
See All 11 Research Specialist Jobs in Washington
Find roles in Washington that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Specialist JobsResearch Specialist Jobs by City in Washington
Where Washington roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Research Specialist Job Market in Washington
A snapshot from current Washington openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
What Washington Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research specialist jobs across Washington.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in a research-relevant field such as biology, public health, or social science
- Experience designing and executing research studies, including data collection and analysis protocols
- Proficiency with statistical software such as R, SPSS, SAS, or Python for quantitative research work
- Familiarity with IRB submission processes and human subjects research compliance requirements
- Strong scientific writing skills for grant applications, reports, and peer-reviewed publication support
- Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and coordinate across multidisciplinary research teams
Research Specialist Jobs in Washington: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a research specialist in Washington?
Most research specialist roles in Washington require at minimum a bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline such as biology, psychology, public health, epidemiology, or social science, with many positions at major research institutions expecting a master's degree. Washington does not issue a state license specific to the research specialist title, but clinical research roles frequently require or strongly prefer the Certified Clinical Research Professional credential from the Society of Clinical Research Associates. Candidates with IRB training and demonstrated lab or data analysis experience advance most readily in Washington's competitive research market.
Which companies hire research specialists in Washington?
Employers hiring research specialists in Washington right now include Kaiser Permanente, DeepSight Technology, and University Of Washington, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Washington's concentration of academic medical centers, federally funded research programs, and large technology firms means research specialist hiring is broad across both the private and public sectors.
Which Washington cities have the most research specialist jobs?
Seattle, Tacoma, and Olympia are the Washington cities with the most research specialist openings, driven by the dense cluster of universities, hospital systems, biotech firms, and federal research agencies in the Seattle-Bellevue metro, while Spokane's growth reflects Washington State University Health Sciences and Providence Health anchoring a regional research hub.
How can I get hired as a research specialist in Washington with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for research assistant or research coordinator positions at Washington's major academic medical centers and universities, where formal programs exist specifically for candidates newer to the field. The University of Washington and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center both run structured research training and post-baccalaureate programs that place people without graduate degrees into active research teams. Completing IRB human subjects training, building skills in a statistical package such as R or SPSS, and pursuing the Certified Clinical Research Professional credential all strengthen a candidacy against more experienced applicants.
Where can I find and apply to research specialist jobs in Washington?
You can find and apply to research specialist jobs in Washington on Migrate Mate, which lists current Washington openings across industries and experience levels. Search the available roles, find the ones that fit your background and location, and apply directly to each employer through the listing.
See All 11 Research Specialist Jobs in Washington
Find roles in Washington that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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